Former Liverpool striker John Barnes has said he has high hopes for newly promoted Newcastle ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Barnes, who had a short spell at Newcastle at the end of his glittering playing career, is convinced that the club are in safe hands under “key” man Rafael Benitez.
The Magpies secured their place in the top flight at the first time of asking, following relegation in the 2015/16 season.
They also finished their Championship season on a high, as they managed to pip fellow promoted side Brighton to the title by a single point on the last day of the season.
The North East club’s success came in manager Rafael Benitez’s first full season in charge, with the 57-year-old receiving plaudits for their immediate return.
With Premier League football on the horizon for the Spanish manager and his players, former Liverpool and Watford man John Barnes says he is expecting a top-half finish for the Magpies next season.
Speaking in an interview with betting website Ladbrokes, Barnes said: ” I have no fears about them not being in the top-half. I’m not saying top five, six etc, but that lower top-half.
“I don’t think they’ll be anywhere near the bottom.”
The Magpies will want to avoid emulating the performances of last season’s promoted sides, with Middlesbrough and Hull City both failing to survive and Burnley finishing in a lowly 16th place.
However, Barnes believes that Benitez’s stewardship will lead the Tyneside club up the table, although he does warn that fans may have to accept a much more conservative style of play.
He told Ladbrokes: “The key thing for Newcastle is that this is Newcastle with Rafa Benitez.
“Newcastle must get results first, and maybe that means sacrificing a more attractive style of football.
“Hopefully the club and the fans will be willing to accept that in order to become a stable Premier League club once again.”
Newcastle endured a roller coaster six seasons in the Premier League following their last stint in the Championship back in the 2009/10 season.
The Magpies finished fifth in just their second season back in the top flight, but were involved in two relegation fights before slipping out of the Premier League in May 2016.